Joy is an Act of Rebellion (3)

Shells, Ruskin and a different kind of sketching (plus how I'm getting on with my summer manifesto)

There are flowers everywhere for those who want to see them. (Henri Matisse in Jazz)

How’s your summer been so far? Did you write a summer manifesto, or a list of things you wanted to achieve? Most people I have spoken to recently have complained that summer has gone too quickly and they haven’t had time to do half the things on their ‘to do’ list. Sound familiar?

But what HAVE you done? You’ll probably be surprised if you take time to look back and review the last few weeks.

My initial thoughts were that it rained a lot, I hadn’t been swimming in that lake, finished clearing out the garage or climbed that mountain (literally)! The list goes on.

However, I HAVE caught up with friends and family, attended an amazing festival, been on a couple of invigorating campervan trips, completed a work project and got three exciting new collaborations in the pipeline, and most importantly I’ve been sketching regularly AND delivered my first green sketching workshop.

I’ve fulfilled my aim of connecting with myself, with other people and with nature. In fact it’s been a wonderful summer, and it’s not over yet!

View from a window at Brantwood

One item on my summer manifesto was to visit a sustainable textile exhibition at Brantwood (once home of the writer, artist and social reformer, John Ruskin). I happened upon another exhibition whilst there - Radiant Forms - and was delighted to learn about Ruskin’s fascination with collecting and drawing shells.

But to paint shells in quite true perspective ... and with their exact pearly lustre or grain, is beyond all skill but the highest. John Ruskin  1859

This particularly drew my attention following my attempt to paint the shells I’d collected on my recent trip to Northumberland. How did I do ?! 😊

Ruskin also wrote….

I believe that sight is a more important thing than drawing. 
From Elements of Drawing

Which, I’m happy to say, is exactly what green sketching is all about. I’ve recently trained with the fabulous Dr Ali Foxon as a green sketching ambassador. Ali wrote The Green Sketching Handbook:

“It isn’t a ‘how to draw’ book … but an invitation to think about sketching in a completely new way, not as artistic practice but as a tool to see, enjoy and appreciate nature’s beauty, in your own way, for your own wellbeing. It’s a field guide to becoming a joy spotter.”

Green sketching is truly an act of rebellion against all those people who told you you can’t draw, your own lack of confidence in your ability to draw and, especially if you are an accomplished artist, the need to get everything perfect!

I can wholeheartedly say that sketching outdoors throughout the summer has been a real highlight. Taking time out, whether for five minutes in the garden or a couple of hours on the beach, to sit and closely observe my surroundings has nurtured and grounded me.

So it was great to share Ali’s teachings and my own experience in my first workshop. Even better to receive feedback that others had found the process relaxing and inspiring and wanted to continue to develop their own practice.

Before the end of (astronomical) summer (22nd September) I’m heading across the Channel on another mini adventure. I’ll be taking my sketchbook and paints and plan to draw every day, even if just for a few minutes. I may share some of my creations on my return, but remember it’s really about savouring the moment.

I’ve also got one other mini challenge to complete before the end of the season. (Subscribers to my Quarterly Connect Group know what this is!)

You too have got time to complete that thing that’s been niggling at the back of your mind. Make that phone call, clear your cupboard, climb the mountain! Most importantly, I hope you can uncover the rebel inside you and find some joy!